About Us
Marcy Zitron Columbus, Ohio Chapter
6119 East Main Street
Suite #207
Columbus, OH 43213
Phone: 614-755-5077
Fax: 614-755-5066
Office Hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm, Monday - Friday
E-Mail: lupusoff@aol.com
Executive Chapter Board Members
President: Janice Washington
Chair of Public Relations: Melvyn Little
Secretary: Alice Willis
Member-At-Large: Michael Greene
Walk Coordinator: Erica Chambers
Executive Director (As of 1997): Dollean Harmon
Office Manager: Thelma Cox
The Story Behind the Name by Blossom Zitron
Marcy was a typical ten year old who was very active. She had blonde hair, blue eyes and freckles that she hated. She was a little bit of a tomboy, just like her mother had been. She was a brilliant student – very imaginative and quite creative. She would get an idea and the next time you know, it was finished and in her hands. She designed clothes and items for dolls. She was involved in Camp Fire Girls, Sunday School, and many other activities that kept her on the go.
Suddenly, in June of 1963, after swimming all day in the sun, Marcy became extremely tired. From that time on, until the end, she never got back all of her energy. She was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in February 1964, after having a strep infection and low grade fever for months. So, at the young age of 11, Marcy faced and fought the disease. She was almost 15 1/2 years old when she passed away.
I wanted to die too, but I had two sons and a husband. Shortly after Marcy’s death my husband asked for a divorce.
Several years later, I met a man who helped me connect with a lupus patient in another state. I truly felt that this introduction to even the name of another lupus patient was my message from God, because I had wanted to do something to help other victims of SLE and their families for many years. At that time doctors would not give us the names of other patients or give us anything to read when we were so desperately looking for help and hope.
Within a short period of time, I flew to Atlanta to meet Nancy and other members of her SLE chapter, including Virginia Masters. Much to my surprise they had pamphlets with information on lupus. They generously shared all of their knowledge and written materials with me.
When I got back to Columbus, I spoke with Judy Baker from the Borden Foundation. Thanks to her help and the generous contributions of the Borden Foundation, I was able to establish the Marcy Zitron Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America in Columbus.
Today, the local lupus chapter has many dedicated volunteers who help further the goal of education and support. I thank you all personally for continuing our fight to find the cause and cure for lupus, and for helping to reach out to lupus patients and their families.